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Gilson Insights

Have questions about your materials testing equipment?  We have the answers to these questions and much more right here! Check back monthly for long-form blog posts, how-to guides and infographics. We’ll address industry insights, the operation and maintenance of specific equipment, and our product line recommendations, all designed to better serve you.

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Laboratory Test Sieves: What You Should Know

Test sieves are simple devices, but they are still scientific instruments and the most cost-effective and widely used particle sizing and gradation testing method. This blog article will cover the accuracy verification of sieves, agitation and sieve shakers, accessories, and wet-wash sieves.

Choosing the Right Gilson Screen Shaker

Particle size gradation is the most often-performed test on aggregates, and effective characterization can’t move forward without it. Testing screens offer an efficient and cost-effective method for accurate size determinations of coarse materials. This blog post will help you select the right Gilson Screen Shaker for your testing applications.

Gilson Testing Screen Trays: Easy Maintenance for Optimum Accuracy & Maximum Life

Screen Trays are the heart of all Gilson Testing Screen Shakers. In this blog post, we discuss how to get the most accurate results and extended life from your testing screen trays.

What is a Sieve? Make Sure You Choose the Right One

Quick, name the most widely used and cost-effective scientific instrument in your laboratory. Some possibilities come to mind, but our argument is for the ordinary test sieve. In this month’s blog post we discuss the purpose of sieves and how to select the right sieve to fit your particle sizing needs.

Coarse Aggregate Gradation: Test Sieves or Screen Trays?

Does the particle size analysis of coarse aggregates always require a testing screen with large screen trays? In a situation where larger testing equipment is not available, there may still be ways to get the job done. Using conventional round test sieves for large particle sizes is less efficient, but still acceptable if done properly. We discuss test requirements, sieve capacities, and tips to help with equipment selection.

Sieve Sizes: A Guide to U.S. and Metric Sizes

The two major standards governing test sieves and appropriate opening sizes are ASTM E11 and ISO 565/3310-1, both of which specify parameters for aperture dimensions, mesh size and statistical variations. We take a dive into sieve sizes and give guidance on the basics, popular test application opening sizes, maintenance, and an opening size conversion table.

Inventing the Sonic Sifter: How a New Cafeteria Changed the Sieving Industry

Most materials have a lower size limit where sieving with a sieve shaker is no longer sufficient, and the agitation necessary for particle separation starts to break down and destroy some fragile materials. Particles in some substances resist separation and clump together due to electrostatic or moisture issues. For many years, these problems limited the effectiveness of measuring particle size by sieving. This article tells the story of how one man pushed back those boundaries.

Sonic Sieving: The Solution for Particle Size Problems

Test sieves are an efficient, productive, and economical means of characterizing the gradation of dry granular materials. However, the sieving method is not without limitations. If obstacles seem to be making it difficult to produce accurate, repeatable results for finer sizes, Sonic Sieving may be the answer.

Characteristics of Aggregates: Shape, Size & Specific Gravity

Concluding our two-part series on aggregate characteristics. Find out how shape, size, and specific gravity play a part in determining the effectiveness of aggregates in construction projects.

Dust and Noise: Can Better Equipment Help? Part 2: Noise

High decibel levels can potentially be a dangerous element in your materials testing lab. In part two of our special series on workplace safety, you’ll discover some of the best ways to reduce noise levels during testing.